In a world saturated with choices and clamoring voices, the ancient question posed by Joshua resonates with striking relevance today: “Choose Today Whom You Will Serve.” These powerful words, spoken to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the promised land, challenge us to examine our loyalties and consciously decide where our true allegiance lies. Let us take a moment to breathe, to center ourselves, and to reflect on this timeless call amidst the complexities of modern life.
This past week, many have experienced a heightened sense of tension and anticipation, particularly during periods of significant decision-making, such as elections. The focus intensifies, emotions run high, and it can feel like we are wandering through a wilderness of uncertainty. Whether the outcomes brought exhilaration or disappointment, or perhaps a mixture of both, the underlying anxieties can leave us feeling weary.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings. Life, with its constant demands and pressures, can feel like a prolonged sojourn through the wilderness. We navigate moments of impatience, frustration, and even anger, sometimes directing these emotions towards those closest to us. This mirrors the experiences of the Israelites, who, in their wilderness wanderings, often succumbed to griping and discontent.
To all of us feeling this weight, the invitation is clear: take a breath. Find a moment of respite, a sanctuary in the present. For many, gathering in a spiritual community, whether physically or virtually, offers this sanctuary. It’s an opportunity to simply be the Church, to embody the people of God, even for a brief time.
Allow peace to permeate your heart. Let it sink deep within, reaching that part of your soul yearning for tranquility. In the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–30). This invitation to find rest in Him is particularly poignant amidst the weariness of life’s challenges.
The intensity surrounding events like elections, while demanding, is not inherently negative. Active participation in civic processes is a vital aspect of a healthy society. It reflects our commitment to shaping the world around us. However, even positive engagements can become distorted if they overshadow our fundamental priorities.
Reflecting on the potential for even good things to become idols, consider this: can politics become a false god? This question prompts introspection, irrespective of political affiliations. The answer, for many, is a resounding yes. Politics, like any human construct, can become an all-consuming focus, diverting our attention from the ultimate source of meaning and purpose.
Throughout history, people have served various “gods”—the values, traditions, and priorities passed down through generations, often deeply ingrained within families and communities. These “gods” can also manifest as the labels and divisions that dominate contemporary discourse, particularly in the political arena.
But like Joshua, we are called to “put them away.” To release the hold of these potentially lesser gods. Just as Joshua led his people towards a new land, we are constantly presented with opportunities for renewal and redirection. At one point, the tribes of Israel also followed diverse deities, but Joshua declared his allegiance: “choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
This declaration is our guiding principle. As individuals of faith, our identities transcend any political label. No political party can fully encapsulate our beliefs or values. While engaging in political processes can be a responsible action for the common good, it is a means to an end, not the ultimate end itself.
Our deepest identity lies elsewhere. Our primary allegiance is to something far greater. When we gather in community, we echo Joshua’s choice. We set aside the distractions, the fleeting concerns, and consciously choose to follow the one, holy, and infinite God. This God, known as Yahweh, embodies justice, peace, mercy, and love across generations. This God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Every gathering, every moment of reflection, serves as a reminder of this fundamental allegiance. We serve Jesus. We follow Jesus, whose very name, in Hebrew, is Joshua. Jesus, the ultimate Joshua, invites us to choose daily, to choose again and again, whom we will serve. “As for me and my household,” may we declare, “we will serve the Lord.”
Let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, settle within you. May this daily reaffirmation of our choice guide us through the complexities of life, grounding us in a purpose that transcends the shifting sands of the world.
